Wednesday, May 11, 2011

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."~ John F. Kennedy


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We have literally been blown away, over the last 4 years, by the outpouring of love and support we have received  since Zoey’s birth. The  kindness and unselfish giving that we have been recipients of, has  both humbled us, as well as called us to return in kind.Today we are reminded once again of that responsibility in the form of an unbelievable tool that will most certainly open up a whole new world for our little wonder girl. 

A few months ago we entered an iPad giveaway being hosted over at Marissa's Bunny. Marissa is an amazing little child that was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms about a week or so after Zoey was.I have followed her battle,on and off,ever since.Her dad Mike is a tireless advocate for his daughter, as well as all of our children who have or are currently, trying to reach seizure freedom.And now,he has started a foundation that encompasses that same love for these tiny heroes, to include a wide spectrum of children and families fighting equally daunting diagnosis' and journeys.

Through the generosity of Mike,Marissa's foundation,benefactors,blog readers and supporters of their foundation,40 iPads with 500 dollars in software from iTunes are being awarded.Is that not incredible?350 submissions yielded 40 finalists and because the powers that be just could not bring themselves to eliminate anyone,all of them,all of us,are being gifted with these iPads.I told you,mindblowing.

There certainly are days when I find myself questioning mankind and the world that we have come to live in and then something like this happens and it is a reminder that goodness still prevails.And believe me,on many days,that reminder is greatly needed.

So our lucky little girl will be receiving this awesome piece of technology, that I just know she is going to totally dig.There are very few things that Zoey is truly interested in.People and music and that big purple annoying dinosaur,yes.Toys,not so much.But technology,like a computer or on the rare occasion that she has been able to play around with an iPad,now that,that gets her excited.And we,we are beyond excited for her.We are already looking into purchasing an adjustable arm that will affix to her wheelchair so that her iPad will travel with her.So that iPad becomes a constant communicative,learning and loving device.Just the other day we were at her pediatricians office,who's practice is made up of a great deal of children with various disabilities,and he was asking me about her signing and commenting how he thought an iPad would be great tool for her and now this.Coincidence?I think not.

I want to encourage you all to visit Marissa's Bunnyblog.Hop on over there(just couldn't resist) and see what they have going on.Right now they have an iPad2 raffle that benefits another little guy and his family,who are trying to navigate their way on a difficult path filled with their fair share of obstacles and struggles.Please consider donating to their cause and if nothing else, spend a little time cruising Marissa's blog and getting to know her story,the motivation behind all of this.

A mere thank you to Marissa,her foundation and all the people who have come to love her,seems so inadequate but for now,that is all I really have.Well,and another shout out to some of our dear friends who have supported Marissa and her foundation.You had no small part in this all coming together,not only for Zoey but for the other 39 as well.And,once again,our family will continue our quest in finding opportunities to pay it forward to honor this wonderful gesture of  love.It is the least we can do.

12 comments:

Maureen said...

Yay! When I saw her playing with Kathleen's, I knew she had to have one. So happy for you guys!

Becca said...

Wow, that's wonderful!! I bet Zoey will LOVE that! It's funny, Samantha's better with toys than with technology. Maybe it's just because we've always been afraid she'd break something. LOL Sounds like a wonderful foundation - I'm going over to check them out. :-)

Melissa said...

I'm so excited for Zoey! I hope this is a wonderful communication tool for her! Off to check out the other blog.

Lacey said...

So excited for our kido's. I think you'll see immediate affects with miss Zoey. Jax I think will take longer, because he doesn't use those hands, or understand. But I think we'll notice a huge difference, and I'm so grateful for this gift!

colleen said...

Yay, Zoey....can't wait to hear allof Zoey's accomplishment on the IPAD.... BTW.. love the stories of your pediatrician... he sounds amazing and in the business for the right reasons!!!
Enjoy!

The Annessa Family said...

THAT is wonderful! I'm excited to see her in action with it!

Brooke Annessa
www.theannessafamily.blogspot.com

Rochelle said...

Everyone got one?! That is fantastic! WOO HOO! Enjoy, Alayna LOVES hers (shh don't tell anyone but so does her big brother!)

Anonymous said...

This is a very wonderful gift for you Miss Zoey - I know you will soar to new heights. And a HUGE thank you to this dad who set up this awesome foundation.

Aunt Bluebelle

Marissa's Dad said...

Zoey was super-deserving of the iPad, we're glad to be able to provide it.

We're going to do it again, soon, assuming the raffle we've got going on does well!

Anna said...

Oh how wonderful for our sweet Zoey! God is so good!Im enjoying the thankfulness with you. These doors of communication swinging open for your little girl. The sky is the limit! God has put each one of our children in our lives for a reason, being able to be a part of it is such a blessing, calling ourselves mothers, such a joy. XXOO

Scrappy quilter said...

What a blessing for Zoey and what a gift to your family from a very special family. Beautiful!! Can't wait to see what your sweet Zoey ends up doing with this marvelous tool. Hugs

SECRET PEPPER PERSON: said...

Wonderful!!!